Turner Road Farm: Regenerative practices and Community-Driven Agriculture
At Turner Road Farm in Bayfield, WI, Josh and Esme are redefining what it means to farm with intention. As first-generation farmers, they’ve built their operation from the ground up—starting with just five acres in 2012 and expanding to over 80 acres through community support and a shared passion for regenerative agriculture.
Turner Road Farm specializes in rotational grazing of British white beef cattle and lamb. Their approach is rooted in mimicking natural systems, using livestock to restore pasture health, increase biodiversity, and improve soil quality. “We’re not grazing down to the dirt,” Josh explained. “We’re managing for water retention, biodiversity, and long-term soil health.”
One of the most impactful tools in their farming system is fencing—specifically, the high-quality woven wire fencing supported by the Grow Local Food Fund grant. This fencing allows them to safely rotate livestock, protect animals from predators, and maintain healthy pastures. “We’ve had predation issues in the past with wolves,” Josh said. “So we use fencing that’s above and beyond what’s needed to keep animals in—it also keeps wildlife out.”
Though this type of fencing is more expensive, for Josh it’s also about investing in being a good neighbor. “Right below our property is a denning site for the Red Cliff Tribal Wolf Pack,” Josh explained. “We worked with them to find ways to protect our livestock and protect the wolves. This fencing is part of that solution.”
The grant has enabled Turner Road Farm to expand grazing areas and reclaim meadows that were transitioning into forest. With careful planning and hard work, the farm is transforming these spaces into productive pastures. “If we can carry more animals, we can feed more people,” Josh said. “And grasslands are great for the environment; they sequester more carbon than trees, storing it deep in the soil.”
Josh and Esme’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond grazing. They’ve planted pollinator-friendly trees like nannyberry and sugar maple, installed birdhouses to mark water points, and partnered with Audubon to promote grassland bird species. Their rotational grazing system supports not only soil and plant health but also wildlife habitat.
The farm’s “flerd”—a combined flock and herd of sheep and cattle—grazes together, each species targeting different plants and contributing to a balanced ecosystem. “Sheep nibble broadleaf plants, and cows use their tongues to rip grass,” Josh explained. “Together, they help maintain pasture diversity.”
The Grow Local Food Fund grant has helped Turner Road Farm build the infrastructure needed to expand their regenerative practices, support local food systems, and create a resilient farm that benefits both the land and the community.
“We’re grateful for the support,” Josh said. “It’s not just about fencing—it’s about building a system that works with nature, feeds people, and keeps our community strong.”
Learn more about them at https://www.turnerroadfarm.com/ and follow them at https://www.facebook.com/TurnerRoadFarm# and https://www.instagram.com/turnerroadfarm/?hl=en.